A fast read and a fun basic concept of a world where every country has its own superpower. However... Well, I didn't read the first one, didn't realize this was a second book until partway in, but this doesn't quite manage to hold to my standard of "being able to read the second without too much confusion for not having read the first." More to the point, though, if this is where Lenora started after an entire first book of learning about impetuosity and actions-consequences, then she's a block-head. I'm on Coren's side of things, poor boy. After an entire book of seeing how things go if she has her way, she aaaaalmost learns her lesson but then snaps right back to "no, I'll fix it my way." She's supposed to be old enough to get married but, honestly, she reads like a petulant, head-strong 9 year old. Coren, man, go find yourself another girl. This one will give you ulcers.